Wendy Williams will NOT return to show this year as producers bring back guest host Sherri Shepherd after ratings boost
WENDY Williams will not be returning to her talk show this year, as guest host Sherri Shepherd will be filling in through the holiday season.
The announcement was made on the show's page on Tuesday, leaving fans shocked.
Along with a picture of Sherri, they captioned the post: "You asked for it and we delivered. We’re thrilled to announce that @sherrieshepherd is making her highly-anticipated return to guest host The Wendy Williams Show on Monday, December 13.
"Sherri will take over hosting duties through Friday, December 17 before the holiday hiatus.
"Drop some [celebration emotions] in the comments to show your love for Sherri."
The talk show had earned its highest ratings of the season during Sherri's hosting duties for the week ending on November 7, prompting her return.
Executive Producer David Perler commented on the news: "Sherri is a great fit for the show and she engages with our viewers with her relatable conversations and unique point of view on the hottest topics.
“We’re very happy to welcome her back and can’t wait to see what she’ll bring to our viewers and station partners this time around," he added.
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The View host also gave a statement about her comeback saying: “I had so much fun the first time around, I can’t wait to come back to play again.
“I was thrilled to learn that my hosting week in November was so well received by the loyal viewers of this show. It’s not easy to do what Wendy has successfully done for so many years."
She continued: "I am grateful to Wendy, the entire Wendy Williams team, and Wendy’s fans for trusting me to host for another week.
"It’s been a dream come true, and I can’t wait to bring back my brand of flirty-fun, fabulous guests and feel good excitement when I return in December.”
RATINGS BOOST
Other celebrity guest hosts filled Wendy's chair throughout the season including Michael Rapaport, Jerry Springer, and more.
But Sherri's week proved to be most popular among fans many demanded the 54-year-old permanently replace Wendy as the host of the long-standing talk show.
Despite having a slew of different personalities coming on to fill the open role during Wendy’s absence, the View alum earned the show’s highest ratings this season.
The Wendy Williams Show landed a 0.9 rating for Sherri’s week, according to .
That’s even higher than the talk show’s premiere week, which is often times one of the highest-rated, which earned a 0.8 rating.
Sherri shared the exciting news on her Instagram, writing with it: “‘How You Doin???’ Me? I’m doing real good… because I just found out the ratings for my week of guest hosting @WendyShow were the highest of the new season.
“Thank you to #wendywilliams & her amazing fans for giving me a shot.”
She added: “Whaaaatttt!!! Thank you Jesus & thank you Wendy Show & the gorgeous fans who gave me a shot.
“Don’t wake me up from this dream! Thank you, Wendy Show! THIRD place!!!! Wendy Show tied w The Ellen Show & Kelly Clarkson - yesss!!”
After seeing how well she hosted and comparing her to other guest hosts, fans are ready for Sherri to return to the show and to stay for good.
One follower suggested: “They should call it the Sherrie Shepherd Show! It’s time!”
Another agreed, writing: “They are probably working on it. Sherrie is reliable and drama-free.”
A third told her: “That’s because it's your season @sherrieshepherd WALK IN IT.”
'WELL DESERVED'
Others said that her success is “well deserved” and that she not only deserves to be on the show for “more than a week” but should “take over and be the permanent replacement.”
The Wendy Williams Show recently revealed that hip-hop icons Remy Ma and Fat Joe will be stepping in as guest hosts for November 23rd and 24th.
The pair has planned to put their "own spin" on Wendy's signature "hot topics" and other classic segments from the talk show.
Their appearance will follow Devyn Simone, Bevy Smith, Elizabeth Wagmeister, and Michael Yo who will reappear to kick off the Thanksgiving week.
Last week, Wendy was spotted for the first time since giving an update on her health status amid her show absence.
The media personality was seen in a wheelchair as she was pushed by a pal in New York City.
WENDY BREAKS SILENCE
Earlier this month the TV star finally broke her silence as she took to and told her fans: "HOW YOU DOIN’? I MISS YOU ALL! As everyone knows, my health has been a hot topic.
"I’m making progress but it’s just one of those things that's taking longer than we expected.
"I’m a woman of a certain age, and I know enough to listen to my doctors and will return to my purple chair as soon as we all agree I’m ready."
Wendy continued: "I want to thank all of my staff and our guest hosts for stepping up and stepping in while I can’t be there. I also want to thank Debmar-Mercury and our stations for being so understanding and supportive while I work my way back.
"Most of all, I want to thank my fans. I have heard your prayers and comments and feel all the love! You are everything to me.
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"I love spending my mornings with you all and I’m doing everything I can to get back to work, but right now Wendy has to focus on Wendy. I love you for watching..."
The host's return to the daytime talk show has been repeatedly pushed as she continues to deal with health issues.
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